So the UK has now gone into lockdown. There is a lot of panic going around and people are likely to get very bored over the next few weeks and it’s likely to stop people from feeling motivated to be productive. It’s important in these uncertain times to stay positive and keep a ‘normal routine’ as much as possible in order to not just watch Netflix 24/7.
Last week I didn’t upload a post because I had a lot going on… And maybe forgot… (oops) But I also felt the post I was going to write about no longer would have an impact since everyones routines have changed so talking about how I fit in fitness (which was going to be the topic) wouldn’t have as much impact. Instead, I thought it would be best to write about how we can all get through this isolation without losing our minds.
It’s important to give yourself some tasks to work towards during this time so you can still feel like you have accomplished something within these few weeks. This is especially key for those who can no longer work because their workplace have closed down and also for students. If you can work from home, that is a great privilege so I would recommend trying to keep to your ordinary morning and work routine, and instead of travelling to work, maybe go for your one allowed walk of the day (or jog to get some exercise). This will help you to feel refreshed and ready to get some work done. Make sure you have a space set up, dedicated for getting this work done also, as to go from ‘home-mode’ to ‘work-mode’.
For those that can no longer work, I want you to list 5-10 things you’ve always wanted time to do that is doable from home. This could be reading, writing, arts and crafts, fitness, baking, cooking, learning a language, learning a new skill, organising/ decluttering your room or wardrobe. Maybe make a poster of it and stick it to your wall and that way you have given yourself something to do with your time. Write down what house chores you have and work/career/school related tasks you could also complete in this time. Then, make yourself a schedule. Create a timetable for yourself so that you can dedicate time to each of these activities weekly and lead to higher productivity and bigger sense of accomplishment.
It is also important to keep the other aspects of your life as normal as possible. Doing exercise but from home, eating healthy and keeping the times that you eat the same, morning and evening routines, including what time you wake up and what time you go to sleep. The more you can keep your routines and habits the same, the easier it will be to adjust both now and also for when the lockdown is over.
Though this is a scary time, we should really see this time as an opportunity to do things you normally don’t have time to do. It can be used as a time to self-evaluate and reflect on your ‘normal life’ and what is important to you from a new perspective. I know it has given me a new appreciation for the people in my life and how grateful I am for the times we have spent together in person. And though this is now not possible, how incredibly blessed we are to have technology that allows us to still see and spend time with people we love, even though they aren’t in the same room.
I hope everyone is staying safe and you are not going out of your mind just yet. We still have a while to go and we will only get through it by staying positive and helping out one another.
Stay kind. Stay positive. Stay safe.
Jodie Burns- Designer and Organiser 